🕌 Istanbul's Timeless Landmark Gets a High-Stakes Upgrade
Turkey’s iconic Hagia Sophia is launching its largest-ever renovation project in over 1,500 years! Culture Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy announced via social media that engineers will reinforce the Byzantine-era dome against earthquakes while preserving its original design. "This isn’t just maintenance—it’s safeguarding history," he emphasized.
🏛️ A Building With Nine Lives
From Byzantine church to Ottoman mosque, then a secular museum, and back to a mosque in 2020, the Hagia Sophia has worn many hats since Emperor Justinian I built it in 537 CE. Its upcoming seismic overhaul adds a new chapter to this time-traveling tale. Fun fact: The structure survived 94 earthquakes before modern engineering!
🧑🔬 How Do You Update a UNESCO Treasure?
Specialists will use 3D scanning and traditional techniques to strengthen weakened areas—proving you can teach an old dome new tricks. The project highlights Turkey’s balancing act: protecting heritage while preparing for climate-driven seismic risks.
